an ordinary thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ordinary thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is common or typical in nature. Example: "In a world filled with extraordinary events, sometimes it's nice to appreciate an ordinary thing like a quiet evening at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Here an ordinary thing is made strange.

The New York Times

Here theater is an ordinary thing to do, and you can do it all over town.

The New York Times

"Students don't seem to realise that there is anything wrong with having the pot … they act like having marijuana was an ordinary thing and no big deal".

The Guardian - Opinion

"Focus on an ordinary thing," instructs the journalist Michael Lewis in his contribution – "the faintly geological strata of the insides of a burrito, for instance".

The Guardian - Books

Back then, before Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan, it was not an ordinary thing to see American soldiers carrying out civilian tasks in someone else's country.

The New Yorker

"The most commendable thing on this island," he wrote, "is their air and water, both so healthful that people are very long-lived, it being an ordinary thing to see persons in it of 100 years of age".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It was, despite the disruptive efforts of a few, a very ordinary thing: A peaceful, modern, well-monitored, uncontestable transfer of power.

BBC

It was such an easy, ordinary thing to do.

The Guardian - Books

Hope is an incredibly ordinary thing.

Huffington Post

Bond made no secret of his ulterior motive for entering the race, as if it were a perfectly ordinary thing to spend millions on an unwinnable international yacht race in order to shift a few blocks north of Perth.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a perfectly ordinary thing in the course of a perfectly ordinary work day for him - until it resurfaced, years after his death, on the very day I was somberly and uncertainly concluding the career he'd taught me.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an ordinary thing" when you want to emphasize the simplicity or commonness of something, especially when contrasting it with something extraordinary or unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "an ordinary thing" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language may be required. Consider more specific terms like "standard component" or "typical example" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ordinary thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples confirm its role in describing commonplace or unremarkable aspects of life or objects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ordinary thing" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe something that is typical or unremarkable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings, although it's most frequent in news and media. While versatile, it is best used when emphasizing the simplicity or commonness of something. When more formal language is needed, consider alternatives like "a typical matter" or "a common occurrence". Remember that using "an" is crucial due to the vowel sound at the beginning of "ordinary".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common occurrence

Focuses on the frequency and usual nature of the event.

a typical matter

Emphasizes that something aligns with the expected pattern or norm.

a regular feature

Highlights the consistent presence or characteristic of something.

a standard element

Indicates that something is a usual part of a whole.

an everyday event

Stresses the routine nature of an event.

a normal phenomenon

Highlights the event's conformity to the usual course of nature.

a mundane affair

Emphasizes the lack of excitement or specialness.

a commonplace subject

Highlights that topic is frequently discussed or encountered.

an unremarkable aspect

Underscores the lack of distinction or noticeability.

a trivial detail

Highlights the insignificance or unimportance.

FAQs

How can I use "an ordinary thing" in a sentence?

You can use "an ordinary thing" to describe something that is common, typical, or unremarkable. For example: "Despite his fame, he still enjoyed "an ordinary thing" like walking in the park."

What are some alternatives to "an ordinary thing"?

Alternatives to "an ordinary thing" include "a common occurrence", "a typical matter", or "a regular feature", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a ordinary thing" instead of "an ordinary thing"?

No, it is not correct. The correct phrase is "an ordinary thing" because "ordinary" begins with a vowel sound, and the indefinite article "an" is used before vowel sounds.

What's the difference between "an ordinary thing" and "a simple thing"?

"An ordinary thing" emphasizes the commonness or typicality of something, while "a simple thing" emphasizes its lack of complexity. They can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but not always.